outdoors

  • FAVORITE GEAR, HIKE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    10 Hiking Essentials for Families

    Have you heard of the concept of the 10 essentials for hiking? It’s a basic gear list that attempts to prepare you for all the things that could possibly happen while out hiking. The list is composed of items in ten categories, to cover everything you may need out on a hiking adventure. And hiking with kids is definitely an adventure! Today, Creative Team member and Arkansas mom of 2, Nichole Holze walks us through 10 hiking essentials for families. She breaks down the list to what’s practical for parents, what she’s tried and tested, along with tons of pro tips for hiking with kids. 

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    Hiking Essentials for Families - What to Pack When Hiking with Kids

    Hiking essentials for families

    Hiking has always been one of our family’s most favorite hobbies. Before having kids, while I was pregnant, then with littles, and now with not-so-little children (when did my kids get so big!?), hiking has been a big part of my life. Hiking can be such a fun family adventure, but it also has a few inherent risks. The best way to be prepared for those risks is to be aware and make sure you packed your hiking essentials.

    In this post, I’m going to share the 10 essential things you should have with you on any hiking adventure with kids. I’ll also break our hiking essentials list down for shorter hikes, longer hikes, and everything in between. Plus, I’m including a few tips I’ve learned after hiking with kids for almost ten years!

    But, before we begin, I have this piece of advice for you regarding sustainability and eco-friendly choices. Before buying anything new, start with what you have. Most likely, you can find something for each of these categories that you already own. Begin there. Then, as you’re ready for more challenges you can make adjustments, tweaks, or additional purchases where necessary. Alright, let’s go! 

    What are the 10 essentials for hiking?

    The official idea of the “ten essentials” came from Mountaineering magazine back in 1974, but has gained popularity since then as being an excellent way to be prepared while exploring the outdoors. While the original list of essential hiking items was designed with extreme adventure in mind, it can still be used by families. Because, let’s be honest, hiking with children of any age is undoubtedly an extreme adventure, whether it’s two miles or ten!

    The 10 essentials of hiking gear list has always sought to answer two basic questions:

    1. Can you prevent emergencies and respond positively should one occur?
    2. Can you safely spend a night (or more) outside?

    The list of hiking essentials falls into these categories: navigation, light source, sun protection, first aid, knife, fire, shelter, food, water, and clothing. Generally, I keep something in my backpack to check off each of those categories. But, what you need for hiking with your family can change depending on the adventure. So, let’s dig a little deeper into each category and modify them a bit for what you’ll need when hiking with kids. 

    hiking essentials for families hiking with kids

    Choosing a hiking backpack

    Before I get into the details of what essential items you need for hiking with kids, I want to talk about a bag to carry it all in. In my opinion, a backpack is an essential piece of gear! It needs to 1) be comfortable, 2) have enough pockets to hold your important items, and 3) be something you love.

    My “adventure bag” is a Jansport Agave 32 that I’ve had for years. It’s held up well to all kinds of adventure. I’ve added patches and pins to make it my own, and it even has a sleeve for a hydration bladder (more on that later).

    Hiking backpacks for kids

    My children’s first adventure packs were the Scout backpack from Camelbak. They worked great up until around age six, when they outgrew them. You can check out a video of the little backpacks in action HERE. 

    As my children grew, their next (and current) packs are the Osprey Daylight packs, which they use with the water bladder from their old Camelbak packs. The packs are a little bigger, very comfortable, and have plenty of pockets for stashing treasures. 

    Quick note: I believe in letting kids carry backpacks as soon as they’re big enough to hike on the trails. Yes, parents, you’ll end up hauling their bags for the second half of the hike, but if you plan on bigger adventures as they get older, it’s a good habit to begin while they’re little. Greta Eskridge talks about this in her book Adventuring Together. 

    hiking with kids 10 essentials backpacks

    1. Navigation

    The first item on your hiking essentials for families’ gear list relates to navigation. You probably already have an excellent navigation tool in your hand. In fact, it’s probably what you’re reading this blog post from. Yup, it’s your cell phone. Your phone, with its built-in GPS is already an extremely powerful navigation tool! And navigation is one of the ten hiking essentials for families!

    Depending on where you’re adventuring, you may or may not have cell phone service. One of the ways that I prep for this is to download a map offline. Using an app like AllTrails is a great way to do that. I pay for the pro version of the app because I use it so frequently and love all the extra features I get with the upgraded paid version. Always check the trail map before you go, but as an added level of safety, having an offline (or hard copy map) saved is important.

    Note – For safety’s sake, I recommend NOT recording your hike through the app. You can record it another way and save it privately, there’s no need to share where you adventure unless you feel comfortable doing so. 

    I also carry a compass in my backpack. It is a small compass that also has a mirror for emergency signaling. I’ve never used it, but I do know how to, if the situation were to ever arise. Learning to use and navigate with a compass is a really great skill to learn as a family! Someday, the ability to read a map, terrain, and use a compass may save your life. I recommend the book Squiggly Lines as a starting point. Geocaching is also a great way to learn directions and reading a map. 

    10 hiking essentials for families waterfall backcountry

    2. Light source

    Another hiking must-have for families is a source of light in your backpacks. Even if you plan on being back to your car well before dark, it’s critical that you have light, just in case you need it. The outdoors can be unpredictable so it’s best to be prepared.

    For our family, we each carry a headlamp in our backpacks. All of our headlamps are from Black Diamond. Mine is a rechargeable headlamp and the others use triple-A batteries. I let my children carry their headlamps in their own backpacks, because when they’re little it makes them feel pretty special. When I first gave my daughter her own headlamp, she wore it the entire hike, in broad daylight. But, it made her feel like she could conquer the world. 

    Pro tip – if you’re going to invest in headlamps, don’t bother buying children’s headlamps. Your kids are only going to grow so get them a piece of gear that will grow and last for them. 

    Flashlights or pen lights also work great as a light sourcet! As a last resort, you can also carry a lighter or matches in your pack and emergency candle. 

    headlamps essential hiking gear for families

    3. Protection from the elements

    Having something that can protect you from the elements is one of the hiking essentials for families that can vary depending on the seasons and weather. Where we live and hike most often, our protection needs to be from the sun. It’s always important to be mindful of sun protection wherever and whenever you’re hiking, but how much protection you need will change.

    For us, I like to carry extra sunscreen and sunhats just in case. My children each carry a Sunday Afternoons sunhat in their backpacks, which my daughter wears more often because she’s prone to sunburn. If you’re going to be adventuring near water or the ocean, please be sure that you’re using a Reef Safe sunscreen! We also really like the Sahara shirts from REI. They are moisture-wicking and lightweight enough to not be too warm in the heat of the sun, but also provide great sun protection. 

    Pro tip: Children grow, quickly, so if your kids are over the age of four, I recommend just getting them an adult size hat and not a child-sized one. Most of them have a chin strap and head strap you can cinch down, and it will last them into adulthood.

    It’s important to be mindful of what season you’re in or what weather you may encounter. For us, it’s all about layering. In cooler or cold weather, we layer a warm sweatshirt with our rain jackets to stay warm. It works twofold: it locks in body heat while also keeping out moisture and wind. Get in the habit of checking the weather as you prepare for your adventure day! But also, prepare for the unexpected. A lightweight raincoat can provide protection from the sun as well as wind, rain, and cold. 

    4. First Aid

    I’ll be the first to say it: I am not a wilderness first aid expert. Shocking, I know! I’m just a Mom, who has learned through experience what works, what doesn’t, and what is important. First aid is definitely important, especially with wild rambunctious kids. So, the next thing on your hiking essentials for families’ gear list relates to first aid.

    If you plan on bigger and more epic expeditions, I would recommend picking up a book on Wilderness First Aid to read at your leisure or taking a wilderness first aid class. This training and knowledge will make you much safer and more confident on the trail.

    For our first aid, I always carry an Ultralight/Watertight first aid kit from Adventure Medical Kits. They’re very compact, last for years, and hold up to being fully submerged in a creek (yes, I know this from experience). Having some sort of first aid kit is essential for families, whether your hiking solo or with your whole crew.

    Pro tip: when my husband and I rode Amtrak out to Glacier to go backpacking (that’s a story in and of itself) we made our own First Aid kit. This is easy to do with a waterproof bag (like a Ziploc bag) and supplies you already have at home. For space-saving and durability, I do recommend purchasing an adventure or camping-type first aid kit. 

    For a full list of what should be in your first aid kit and how to be safe on the trail with kids, check out our post on Hiking Safety Tips and Hiking First Aid. 

    hiking essentials for families first aid kit adventure medical kits

    5. Multitools or a knife

    Having a multitool or knife is a hiking essential that is up to interpretation and what each family feels comfortable with. What you choose to carry as an essential is based on your needs. This essential hiking item could come in handy in a variety of ways and scenarios, but should always be supervised around small children. 

    I always carry a knife and my children each have their own multitool. My daughter even named hers, it’s called her “Brave Tool.” A multitool or even a first pocketknife make wonderful gift items for outdoorsy kids. My children love carrying their own multitool and whip out the little knife on theirs almost every chance they get to whittle their own little spears.

    The knife that I carry serves a dual purpose; as a survival tool, but also as self-protection, should I need either. My knife is one of the tools in my backpack that always stays there, along with my headlamp, compass, and first aid kit, so that it’s always ready to go. The same is true for my children’s multitools. They always stay in their backpacks. They can get them out to play or use at home, but they are stored in their adventure packs. 

    hiking essentials for families kids multitool

    6. Fire

    I never plan on needing to make a fire while out on day hikes with kids, but there have been times that I’ve done so just to keep warm while we stop for lunch, or relax for a little while. The ability to start a fire can literally mean life or death in a survival situation, so I always carry a way to start a fire on every adventure, big or small. A method of making/starting a fire is the next hiking essential for families. 

    The easiest thing to do is to always carry a lighter, which I do. It’s just a simple Bic lighter that takes up minimal space. However, I also like to have a backup, so I also carry a magnesium fire striker. You can also look into a flint and steel rod.

    Pro tip: whatever backup method you choose, practice with it! Make sure you know how to use it! Here’s a great post about teaching kids how to build fires from another creative team member! 

    7. Shelter

    One of my kids’ favorite activities is to practice building survival shelters in the woods. Because who doesn’t love building a fort? While those forts are great practice for an emergency. And shelter is the next essential hiking item for families.

    I like to be prepared for the worst and carry an emergency bivvy in my backpack, especially if it’s a hike over five miles or very remote. A “bivvy” is short for bivouac shelter, which means any sort of temporary or emergency shelter usually employed by soldiers, mountaineers, backpackers, or other outdoor adventurists. The ones we use are basically a reflective blanket in sleeping bag form. They are packed very small and take up little to no weight or space in an adventure backpack.

    For our big hikes (ten miles or more) I have each of my children carry one. We like the Emergency Bivvy from Adventure Medical Kits, which is no longer available. But, here is a great alternative: Go Time Gear Life Bivvy. This piece of essential hiking gear may not be one you ever need, but when you need it, it could save you or your children’s life. They trap body heat while also providing protection from the elements. 

    hiking essentials for families hiking with kids creek crossing

    8. Water, water, water

    Never underestimate how much water you’ll need when hiking with kids. On our last big hike (a ten-mile round trip hike to see a hidden waterfall), I forgot that the hike had no access to water. This meant I was sharing what I had in my hydration bladder with our dog. (ps – do not recommend). I ended up running out of water with two miles to go still. Don’t do like I did, plan ahead. Water is one of the most important hiking essentials for families. 

    Both of my children carry their own hydration bladder (also from Camelbak). We introduced these when they received their first hiking packs when they were tiny and they LOVED them. Water is HEAVY so it’s important to find a way to carry it without added weight. The insulated water bottles are nice, but they also add a lot of weight. We prefer hydration bladders, for any and all outdoor endeavors. 

    The last piece of essential hiking gear for families is a means to purify water. We love the water filters from Sawyer, check out their mini filter in action HERE. I keep one of those filters with a straw in a Stasher bag, in my adventure pack at all times.  You can also check out Lifestraw or this neat on-the-go filter from MSR. In a survival situation (or if your water filtration fails, which we’ve had happen to us) you can start a fire to bring water to boiling. It’s critical that the water reaches a boiling point for sixty seconds to kill off any bacteria. Water is the most important thing for all adventures and will be priority one in any survival or unexpected outdoor mishaps. I would recommend doing your research to find what feels right for your family and your situation. 

    9. Extra food

    The ten hiking essentials require extra food, water, and clothing. Again, what you carry depends on your situation, the season, and the weather predictions. Just remember, the outdoors can throw all kinds of wrenches in your plans so it’s best to be prepared.

    In general, I carry one to two extra snacks for each person (and my kids don’t know about them.) Those “extras” can be a bonus on the ride home, but will also come in handy if our day takes a turn. Once on a nine-mile day hike with a very poorly marked trail, I had to ration out the extra food. But those extra chocolate chip granola bars were the perfect motivation to keep little legs going, mile after mile.

    For other extra food options, sometimes I grab a few meals from our stash of dehydrated meals in our camping gear. These are lightweight, easy to prepare, and last a long time. I never use them unless we have to. My favorites are the meals from Good to Go foods. And here’s a great post filled with awesome trail-test kid-approved hiking snacks. 

    10. Extra clothing

    The final item on our hiking essentials for families gear list is a bit of extra clothing. Extra clothing can be essential when hiking with kids, but we’re not asking you to pack a suitcase or bring along a closet of clothes for everyone. Extra clothes can also take up a lot of room in your backpack, so pack smart. For extra clothing, we start our hike in all of our layers, then peel them off as we warm up. But as a general rule, we always carry lightweight rain jackets in our bags, just in case. I also recommend an extra pair of dry socks for everyone. Dry socks can help prevent blisters and keep you warm if/when your feet get wet. The same goes for extra gloves in the winter. If you know you’re going to get soaking wet or muddy on a hike (hello creeks!), then bring the essentials on the hike with you and pack a full set of change of clothes to leave in the car so you can change before driving home. 

    Backpack essentials and who carries what

    I know, I know. I just shared LOTS of information with you. These ten hiking essentials for families may sound like a lot to pack and carry with you on a hike. So, here’s a little breakdown of who carries what in our family that may help you divide and conquer: 

    • Mom – water filter, first aid kit, knife, emergency bivvy, sunhat, sunglasses, my own water, main food, compass, fire starter/striker, phone/map
    • Kids – their own water, a multitool, two granola bars/snacks, emergency whistle

    That’s just for the essentials. Please remember that these are meant to be guidelines, you can adapt and change what you need for your family. Just be sure to have at least something from each of the ten categories listed above. I also recommend letting your children get used to carrying a backpack with some of their own essentials as soon as they are able to hike more than one mile. 

    Additional items to pack when hiking with kids

    Now that we’ve covered the basic hiking essentials for families, here are a few more items that you might also want to pack and take with you (which may or not be essential, but could definitely be useful!):

    • Baby wipes – I always bring a few in a reusable Stasher bag. Why? Because they’re amazing. 
    • A garbage bag and disposable gloves – Thes are great to carry out our own trash, but also any trash we see. Because inevitably we will see other peoples’ trash on the trail and we are determined to leave the trail better than we found it. It’s just good outdoor etiquette. 
    • Net – My kids would like to argue that a net is also essential, along with a small container for critters or nature treasures found along the way. (Please collect responsibly.)
    • Charger – If you’re going to be out for an extended period of time, a backup wireless phone charger is helpful! 
    • My kids also love their Relay Go – a screen-free, smartphone that lets me give them a little more freedom to run ahead on the trail, but also lets me keep track of where they are and stay in touch. Learn more HERE. 

    Family hiking checklist

    There you have it! The 10 hiking essentials for families that will help you feel more prepared, safe and confident when out on the trails with your little ones. Here’s a quick recap of the ten things you need when hiking with kids:

    1. navigation
    2. light source
    3. sun protection
    4. first aid
    5. knife
    6. fire
    7. shelter
    8. water
    9. food
    10. clothing

    Be prepared, be responsibly brave

    Thanks for reading, friends! If you’d like to follow along with all of our shenanigans, you can find me on Instagram HERE. You can also sign up for my once per month Field Notes newsletter HERE.

    P.S.  If you join my newsletter you’ll be the first to know when I open up my FREE Respsonsibly Brave Adventure course again! Here’s to chasing the adventure, prepared for whatever gets thrown our way. ~Nichole

    More resources for hiking with kids 

    If you’re interested in more great content about hiking with kids, be sure to check out the following posts:

    About the author

    Nichole is mama to two incredible adventurers, an older boy and a younger girl. They are in their seventh year of homeschooling. She’s married to her best friend and they share a mutual love for the outdoors. An Iowan native now living in the south, she is happy to claim Arkansas as home. She is a wanderlust (and coffee) fueled, fearless, road tripper who has been known to take off for epic adventures at a moment’s notice. Hiking and camping (of the backpacking variety) and crystal digging are a few of their favorite family activities. You can find her in the woods somewhere, probably up a creek, and jumping off waterfalls.

    You can find more from Nichole online in the following locations:
    Website: http://www.luckeywanderers.com
    Instagram: @coleyraeh
    RWMC posts: Nichole

  • BIKE, FALL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SPRING, SUMMER

    How to Get Started Mountain Biking with Kids

    Mountain biking with kids is not only a great way to get outside and immersed in nature, but the benefits go above and beyond. Mountain biking is great for kids’ physical and mental health, improves their coordination and balance, and helps instill confidence. Today, we have Creative Team member Jared Ryan, Oklahoma dad of 2 and avid cyclist, here to give us a primer on how to get started mountain biking with kids. He’s covering all the bases, from how to choose the right mountain bike, what to pack on your adventures, how to get the kids trail-ready and how to mentally and physically prepare for inevitable wrecks. Are you ready?!

    Get out, get dirty

    Let’s be honest, most of us are feeling pretty confined right now. As parents, we’re all looking for new (or any) ways to get our kids outside and soak up what’s left of this summer. This can be difficult with current social distance guidelines and park closures. However, there are options and lots of great ways to get outside away from it all. For me, it’s all about mountain biking!

    Hold up, you say. It’s a 12-hour drive to your nearest mountain range? No worries! That’s not what mountain biking is…at least not all mountain biking. 

    The mountain biking gear shed

    One thing about mountain biking is that you can spend your annual salary on gear. But, let’s not do that… While in some cases it’s really important to buy quality gear for your kid’s safety (i.e helmets), other times, it makes more ‘cents’ to purchase more practically. Let’s lay this out a bit.

    Helmets for kids

    First off, never ride without a helmet. Yes, you, the adult. This is about the only time I get strict on my little shredders when it comes to the bike. I stress the importance of helmets ALL the time. This often means that I’m wearing my helmet when we’re cruising on the neighborhood sidewalks or pedaling around in the yard. That’s fine, because I’m modeling the behavior I want to see. Now my kids never ask if they really need to wear one. They know my answer.

    When shopping for a proper helmet I’d suggest going to your local bike shop or sporting goods store. This ensures that your helmet meets the proper helmet safety regulations in your country. It’s also helpful for getting the right fit and size for your child’s head. While buying online may be easier, it will not give you that same guarantee. 

    how to choose the right mountain bike for kids

    How to choose a mountain bike for kids

    Oh man, the bike. This is where it gets fun. I get just as excited when my kids get a new bike as I do when I get my own… Well, maybe not quite, but almost. Depending on your budget, you can spend $100 or $1200+ on your kid’s bike. Each end of the cost spectrum has its validity. Bike shops are a great place to go for all the insight and wisdom that you seek. They’re always ready and willing to nerd out on bike topics and answer your questions. They can absolutely square your kid away on the proper bike and gear with no effort from you. This is the quick and easy way to get kitted up.

    If the bike shop route isn’t what you’re looking for, online distributors or even second-hand bikes are both great options. It’ll require a little more homework for you and you’ll forfeit that lifetime maintenance program that so many shops offer, but both of these options can allow you to get that upper-level bike for a lot less cost.

    When doing your research, ask yourself, “does this bike make sense for our trails?”. Most entry-level “mountain bikes” out there for kids are actually too heavy for the trails and have inoperable front suspension due to the rider being too light to compress it. They look the part, but when put to the trails they’re too rigid to absorb any rocks and too clunky to be pedaled up any hill. This will NOT do you any favors when introducing your kiddo to the trails.

    Suspension and gears

    Having made the mistake of buying my daughter’s bike with front suspension and narrower (1.75in) tires, I actually prefer my son’s bike. It has no suspension. Instead, a wider (2.6in) tire gives him the plush feel that a proper suspension fork would. As a bonus, not having suspension on the front also cuts down dramatically on the bike’s weight. Mountain bikes for kids with an air suspension fork (like the Woom OFF AIR recommended below), give you the best of both good suspension and lightweight. 

    A range of gears is an absolute must for the trails. Bikes with six to seven gears on the back and one gear up front are the most common for kids’ bikes and will work perfectly for most trails. You may see bikes with two or even three gears on the front, but this is not usually necessary and can add more confusion for your young rider learning to shift gears on the fly.

    Mountain bike tires for kids

    When choosing tires for your child’s mountain bike, you want a relatively wide (2.25in-2.6in) tire with a knobby tread (think of a dirt bike tire). This will not only help with the dirt/mud, but it will grip better in turns and provide more traction and confidence on the downhill sections. Confidence is key. When you’re airing the tires, you don’t need to max out the psi for the tire. Putting in about 5psi less than the tire’s max press rating can go a long way in providing your little rider with more traction on the trail. 

    Best mountain bike for kids

    Woom OFF AIR

    Woom has changed the sport of mountain biking for kids with their durable mountain bikes! The Woom OFF AIR bike delivers off-road performance in a lightweight package. Child-specific ergonomics bring comfort and added safety to each adventure. This bike is well equipped and capable of handling almost anything it encounters, from the bike park to gravel roads to singletrack. With its air suspension fork, the Woom OFF AIR  provides off-road capability and ergonomics designed for growing bodies and developing skills. Stable, responsive, and equipped with high-performance components and tubeless-compatible rims and tires, it provides best-in-class value in its category. 

    how to go mountain biking with kids

    How to dress kids for mountain biking

    In the hot summer months, it’s relatively easy to figure out proper attire for the season. When riding in the cooler fall and spring months, I start my kids with a base layer of cooler clothing and then add layers according to the weather. It’s often cool or even cold at the beginning of ride, then within the first couple of miles, your body warms up pretty well. This is especially true for kids. I account for the storage of the extra layers in my pack so that there’s no reason for the kids (or I) to not shed a layer when it’s needed. Wearing too much clothing for the temperatures can be just as detrimental as wearing too little.

    Lastly, get them some riding gloves. I prefer full-fingered gloves, but I can’t say that it really matters. Proper fitting gloves will really cut down on blisters. 

    beginner's guide to mountain biking with kids

    Getting familiar with the dirt

    After your kiddo gets that nice and shiny steed, go get it dirty! Assuming your rider has mastered the bike basics, you should introduce them to the dirt by finding a local dirt or gravel path. These paths are often unpaved walking/biking trails winding through the trees. No obstacles, no undulations, just smooth packed dirt. I find that this is an organic way of getting young riders comfortable with navigating through the narrow and confined space of the trees.

    While a lot of single track trails are no more narrow than a sidewalk, the tunneling effect of the trees can be pretty intimidating to any new rider. Once they’re more comfortable on the dirt path, feel free to find little branches and rocks (smaller than 3in in diameter) to let them roll over and experiment with. They may get bucked around at first riding over these obstacles, at first. But soon they’ll gain more control and intuition over the bike. Your goal should is to get them used to the feeling of rough terrain and to trust their bike.

    If you don’t have a smooth dirt path near your home, no worries. I often take our kids to a nearby park and lead them around hopping off and rolling up curbs, racing in the grass (as it’s often uneven ground), and riding up/down short little grassy hills. All for the sake of building up their handling skills. Kids get comfortable on their bikes far quicker than their parents, so if you’re not already familiar with mountain biking, jump in and take turns doing these with your little rider.

    everything you need to know to get starting mountain biking with kids
    Leading or towing them into new obstacles can provide them more confidence before trying it themselves.

    What to pack when mountain biking with kids

    Okay, so your ‘little rider’ has now morphed into a ‘little shredder’ and they’re ready for the real deal…the Red Bull Rampage circuit. What should you bring on the trail? Some rides just require sufficient water and maybe a flat kit. But, for longer rides or for trails that I haven’t ridden before, I prefer to carry a hydration pack with our necessities in it.

    While I have my own list of carry-on items that I take for each of my own rides, my list is a bit longer when my kids are with me. There is just more that can go wrong and I don’t really expect them to carry their own packs at this point in their progression.

    In my trail pack:

    • Water – The amount is dependent on your planned ride, but usually 32oz in a hydration pack and a 20oz bottle per person is more than enough for our 1hr rides. You’ll need to figure this for your local climate and personal needs
    • Flat Kit – I carry 1 tube per rider, 1set of tire levers, and a CO2 inflator w/one CO2 cartridge per rider. I often carry a hand pump too just in case we have a rough day.  
    • Bike Tool – It never fails that a seat is too high or a derailleur is not adjusted. There are a lot of options out there to fit you budget/needs. I’ve been really pleased with the Crankbrothers M-17
    • Small First-Aid kit – Just a simple a kit with antibiotic creme, alcohol wipes, and bandages.
    • Snacks – Um well, yeah kids and dads love snacks.

    For after the ride I keep in my vehicle:

    • Wet wipes – Quick easy way to wipe of the trail dirt and sweat.
    • Lint roller – After the wet wipes are used, I find a lint roller to be a great way to get rid of ticks before they attach
    • More Water
    • Zevia – Because the kids definitely earned them!

    what to pack when mountain biking with kids

    Hitting the trail

    At the start of your ride, review and even take a picture of the map at the trailhead to make sure that you know which trails are designated as “Easy” or “Beginner.” I recommend sticking to easy trails at first so that you can keep the rides short and simple. This allows your young rider to decide their own rate of progression. Roll out on these rides with ZERO expectations.

    So often on the drive to the trails, my kids are so excited!  They tell me all the jumps they’re going to “send.” All about how fast they plan to ride. I love it. However, that’s not always the case once we’re on the trail. Fatigue sets in and suddenly, without warning, they’re mentally and physically wiped. Or even (dare I say it) bored! That’s fine, it happens. If you set your expectations low, it’s easier to roll with whatever comes your way and to improvise on the ride. I’ll often let them hang out and session a trail feature. Or, sometimes, this means taking a LOT of breaks. But regardless, since I don’t have any particular goal for the ride, I’m able to fully embrace the outcome…even if that means we’re hitting the bypass trail back to the parking lot.

    When they’re just not feeling it that day and want to head back early, I don’t force the ride. I want this to be a fun experience. I’m completely aware that some days they’re just not that into it. That’s fine, we’re not training for world titles…yet.

    I’ve also found that with both of my kids, when they’re up front and leading the group, they tend to ride a little more confidently and are far more engaged in the ride. This is natural since the lead rider is forced to choose the correct lines and has to be alert for any obstacles. If you notice a kid falling behind, maybe give them the chance to lead for a while. 

    how to prepare kids for mountain biking
    Let your kids lead – this will help them pick better lines and navigate terrain on their own, making them more well-rounded riders.

    Prepare for wrecks

    Be ready…wrecks are going to happen. Yes, they are GOING to happen. No biggie. Most mountain bike wrecks do not result in serious injury, but they can definitely hurt. Ironically, the first step to overcoming the fear of wrecking for any new rider is to wreck! Honestly. Once they get that first fall on their Pro Mountain Biker resumé, young riders nearly always conclude that it’s not really that bad. Or even that it was worth it. 

    My little shredders wreck A LOT. In a positive way. Usually, they wreck because they’re pushing their abilities or conquering a trail feature that has continued to best them. And I’m good with that! Once I’ve verified that my kid is okay, I usually become the hype man. For us it’s something like “Whoa! You alive, dude? That was incredible! Your bike did three flips off that rock!” Or “Dang girl! You good? You’ve gotta hit that one again!”

    Sometimes the pain is real though and we make our way back to the trailhead. Usually, we talk through how the wreck played out and figure out what happened. Was it a bad line choice? Did they have too much or too little speed? We try to learn from the crashes so that next time they aren’t beat by the same feature.

    mountain biking with kids

    The biggest perk

    Mountain biking is SO incredibly rewarding for kids. They learn new skills with balance and coordination. Reach new levels of fitness and health. They will be exhausted, and dirty, and happy. They’ll face obstacles that previously made them tremble, and then they will conquer that obstacle! For us parents, we get to watch this unfold and have a front-row seat to their growth. We can sit on a rocky overlook while taking one of those frequent breaks and soak it up with our little shredders. To me, this is the biggest perk of mountain biking. Now get out there, go ride your bike.

    About the author

    Jared is a husband to a talented and beautiful wife, Kristen also a father of two fun-loving and adventurous kiddos. He enjoys leading family adventures to both near and far destinations. Whether it is hiking, camping, climbing, bike riding, or playing in the backyard, he loves it all. He instills in his family the importance of nature and all the benefits it can bring to one’s life. Jared is a GIS analyst by trade, so he is naturally drawn to creating maps and all things trail related, whether it is creating new trails, recording family hikes or teaching his kids land navigation, he loves to tie in his own work with family adventures.

    You can find Jared online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @bikeshikesbiners

  • FAMILY TRAVEL, LOCAL GEMS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Digging for Crystals with Kids

    Have you ever considered going on a real-life treasure hunt with your kids? You’ve probably heard of places where you can pan for gold or hunt for geodes, but what about digging for crystals and diamonds? Today, we have Nichole, homeschool mom of two and outdoor adventurer, here sharing her family’s newest hobby, digging for crystals! Did you know that Central Arkansas is home to some of the most amazing clear crystal quartz in the entire world? Nichole walks you through everything you need to know to get started digging for crystals with your kids, from where to go, what to pack, and how to clean them. If anyone’s up for a road trip to dig for crystals, I’m in!

    Digging for crystals & quartz in Central Arkansas

    Exploring outdoors Arkansas

    Six years ago, our family moved from the Midwest to southern Arkansas. At the time, we had no idea just how much adventure there was to be found in Arkansas. It may not sound like the most interesting state, but there are so many amazing things to do in Arkansas!

    As an outdoors-loving family, we are always seeking out new ways to explore the world around us. From hiking to swimming in hot springs, climbing mountains to exploring mines, Arkansas has some of the most amazing natural wonders in the entire Midwest.

    We’ve now lived in Arkansas for nearly six years, and we are still finding new ways to spend time together outside! 

    Arkansas’s unique geology

    Last fall, as part of our homeschool studies, I started searching for information about geology in Arkansas. It wasn’t long before we realized that Arkansas is one of the best places in the world for digging for crystals! What I learned was incredible! Arkansas has several veins of high quality, often clear, quartz that formed in the Ouachita mountain range, in central Arkansas.

    Quartz is a very common mineral, the second most common on earth and forms under a wide variety of conditions. However, according to geologists, there are only two places in the world with quartz of such high clarity and quality: Arkansas and Brazil. 

    A new favorite family hobby emerged and now we enjoy heading out to treasure hunt all winter long. 

    ron coleman mine arkansas quartz crystal

    Arkansas diamond mining

    Arkansas is also home to one of two places in the world where the general public can mine for diamonds. Crater of Diamonds State Park, also in central Arkansas, is open year-round for diamond hunting. 

    This was actually where we started our journey of geology studies. While the idea of digging for diamonds was very exciting, we walked away feeling like it wasn’t the best option for our family. It is a very unique experience. While there are chances to find a diamond, it is a lot of work for little reward.

    People do find diamonds though! In fact, just the other day a woman found a 3-carat diamond by surface searching. However, the stones are usually very small and not as easy to find, especially for kids. It is still a fun thing to try your luck at, but bear in mind that it may not be as rewarding for children.

    crater of diamonds arkansas - diamond mining with kids

    A guide for Arkansas crystal hunting

    I continued my research and learned that we were very close to one of the best places to mine for quartz crystal! We chose to visit Ron Coleman Crystal Mine, near Hot Springs, Arkansas. This is a commercial quartz mine that often produces some of the most beautiful (and massive) clusters in the world.

    In my searching, I also came across an Instagram page run by the nicest couple. Betsy and Dillon of Passion and Prospect were more than willing to help guide us in our geology journey. They answered our questions and even got us started on where to dig.

    If you aren’t local to Arkansas and are interested in some crystals from the place that we dig, watch their page as they often have crystals for sale! 

    exploring arkansas crystal quartz ron coleman mine with kids

    Crystal mining supplies

    In the days leading up to our dig, we started a “crystal corner” in our garage to stage our supplies for the weekend. In our research, we learned what tools were allowed at the mine and which were not. While the commercial part of the mine is not open to the public (except for tours), the “tailings” pile is. The tailings area is where the mining trucks bring dump truckloads of dirt and rock up from the commercial mine. 

    The mine has tools available to rent if needed. However, we thought it would be best to bring our own.

    What to bring when digging for crystals with kids

    In our corner, we gathered the following:

    • Two, 5-gallon buckets
    • Hand tools for gardening, including small spades and shovels
    • Gloves, for us and for our children
    • Old shoes or rain boots
    • Old clothes that we didn’t mind ruining
    • Hats and sun protection
    • A collapsible or folding wagon 

    arkansas quartz crystal mining supplies and tools

    The day of the dig

    The crystal mine is about a two-hour drive for us, so we got up early and had breakfast in the car. The mine does not have food available, so I highly recommend you pack a lunch and lots of snacks and water. I figured my children may lose interest in digging for crystals if we weren’t finding anything and snacks make everything better.

    Arriving at the mine, you stop at the main office and store to pay your entrance fee and sign the waivers. We were so excited to see a HUGE crystal point sitting just outside the main entrance. The store has some amazing examples of what you could find in the mine. It’s also a great place to stop if you are only passing through and don’t have time to dig. The selection of rocks and minerals is outstanding!

    ron coleman crystal mine large quartz crystal

    Head out to the mine

    After going over the waivers and rules, we jumped back in our car to drive down the hill and into the public mining area. It is a dirt road and parking lot, so be prepared for red mud right away.

    We visited Ron Coleman mine for the first time the weekend just after our trip to the diamond mine. Within minutes of stepping out of the car, both of my children were shouting their excitement because the ground was sparkling! A vastly different response compared to the diamond mine, and immediate gratification for young children.

    We didn’t have a wagon with us on our first trip but we have since added it to our crystal digging supplies. It’s great for hauling your tools to where you want to dig, along with all of your snacks and water.

    ron coleman crystal mine tailings area arkansas family fun

    Digging for crystals with kids

    We selected a spot to start digging for crystals and set to work. Both of my children were so excited to play and explore. There is no running allowed in the dig area, so be sure to instruct your children. It’s for their own safety, as there are large boulders and rocks everywhere.

    For smaller children, there is an area to the left side (while facing the main entrance from the parking lot) that is flatter and less dangerous. For the really small ones, a carrier or portable play yard may be best to keep them safe.

    Our day passed quickly as we were completely focused on the task of digging for crystals. It was easy to stay focused because we were finding quartz treasures within minutes!

    We found crystals ranging from milky white to clear, in all shapes and sizes! We were so grateful to have chosen a cool day to go dig because there is no shade available in the digging area. It’s quite a good workout to sort through the dirt and rocks. By lunchtime, we were all in need of a short break to refuel. 

    Digging for crystals with kids - crystal point clear quartz arkansas mine family fun

    An afternoon well spent

    While digging for crystals, the rest of our day passed rapidly. My children enjoyed playing among the boulders and rocks once they had found their fill of quartz. My husband and I worked ourselves to exhaustion digging. Each of us got more excited with the improving clarity of the quartz we found.

    By the end of the day, we both knew we found a new favorite hobby. The mine closes at 4:30 pm, and by 4:15 pm we were cleaning up our dig area. The large buckets we brought were nearly full with crystals waiting to be cleaned.

    We had spent the most beautiful day together outside, on our own little treasure hunt. Warmed by the autumn sun and completely exhausted from our day, we picked up our buckets and went back to our car, all of us smiling from ear to ear.

    Digging for crystals with kids - crystal mine sunset quartz family fun arkansas

    Things to note about crystal digging

    Ron Coleman crystal mine also has tours available as well as a zip line. We haven’t done either yet but they sure look like fun! Here are a few things to remember:

    • There are no bathrooms at the dig site, you must go to the campground or back up to the main office. 
    • You are allowed to take out all you can carry out. 
    • Bring lots of water, more than you think you’ll need. 
    • Pack a lunch and snacks. 
    • The clothes you wear to dig in will most likely be stained with the iron in the soil. Wear old clothes you don’t mind ruining. 
    • Remember to bring a change of clothes. We find it easiest to lay down towels and ride in our car over to the campground area to get cleaned up. There is a fee for the showers but no fee to change clothing. 
    • We have also changed at our car, bringing large t-shirts for the kids to be able to change under and I bring a dress to throw over an undershirt to change out of my dirt-covered clothes. 
    • The office workers LOVE to see what you find so feel free to stop back up there and show them your finds! You just might get featured on their social media channels. 

    ron coleman crystal mine girl quartz family fun arkansas

    Ron Coleman Crystal Mine nearby attractions

    There is camping available at the mine as well, complete with a bathroom and showers and hookups for RVs. Nearby, in the town of Hot Springs there are several great restaurants, as well as more lodging and camping.

    My favorite, Kollective coffee, offers vegan food options and has a huge tea selection along with great coffee. Hot Springs is also home to a National Park and has a wonderful visitor center that you can tour for free, along with two Junior Ranger programs.

    Nearby, in the town of Mt. Ida, there are also several other crystal mines. We have also visited Wegner Crystal Mine and Twin Creek Crystal Mine. However, Ron Coleman is always our go-to favorite place to dig. 

    Digging for quartz crystals - quartz cluster arkansas crystal mining

    Cleaning your crystals

    We spent some time talking with the office staff about the best way to clean the crystals. The very clear points often come clean with a simple water wash. However, to remove the iron staining it’s necessary to do more than that. Ron Coleman sells oxalic acid, in its crystal form. You can place your crystals in a very weak oxalic acid and water mixture to remove the red stains. This can be done with a ratio of 1/2 to one cup of oxalic acid added to one gallon of water. 

    Crystal cleaning tips

    • Always clean your crystals outside! Clay and dirt can clog interior pipes on your sink or bathtub. 
    • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clear away dirt and debris from your crystals. 
    • If you’re using an acid bath to remove staining: ALWAYS add acid to water, not water to acid. 
    • Use a VERY weak acid solution, these ratios can be found in a simple internet search. 
    • The crystals can sit in the acid and water bath for up to a week if desired, keep the pot outside so any fumes will dissipate outdoors. 
    • There is an option to do this more quickly by heating the acid and water solution, but not boiling. However, this must be done outside as you are heating and acid and it can give off mildly noxious fumes. The best and safest way to remove iron staining is a cold water and acid bath for a few days to a week. 
    • Use gloves when working with the acid solution. 
    • Remove the crystals after the week is up, using gloves, and rinse with water. 

    Any work done with the acid and water solution should be done by adults, not children. In the photo below we are working on the first step, cleaning the crystals with water. Also, note the impeccable style my daughter has for crystal cleaning. 

    How to clean quartz crystals with water and acid - arkansas quartz

    The thrill of the hunt

    Half of the fun of hunting for crystals is when you are cleaning your treasures at home. Sometimes, your finds will surprise you with more points or more clarity than you had expected. Or sometimes you’ll be let down with what you thought was an epic cluster, only to find it’s milky white quartz with no points at all. But, that’s all part of the process and it’s a great lesson in patience, persistence and hard work.

    From start to finish, it usually takes us about a week to sort through all of our finds. It’s a process that has taught us many things, but has also pulled us in and made us rock hounds. I am so grateful for this newfound hobby of ours and we are so excited that it is finally cool enough to return to our favorite weekend adventure!

    quartz crystal mining arkansas family fun ron coleman mine

    More Arkansas outdoor adventures

    It has been so much fun to discover all of the incredible outdoor adventures within our new home state. If you’re looking for resources for crystal digging, you can find almost all of what I had mentioned here, along with books to pair with your crystal hunting adventure.

    If you’d like to read about one of our other favorite Arkansas adventures, you can read about them here. Our family has so enjoyed learning to love where we live and Arkansas has so much to offer for outdoor adventure.

    If you’re in or around the Bentonville, Arkansas area, check out our Bentonville Get Out Guide! This huge ebook is curated by yours truly and contains all our favorite things to do, places to eat, and more in Bentonville. It’s filled with water adventures, hiking trails, biking excursions, outdoor dining, kid-friendly camping and lodgings, parks and playgrounds and other fun and unique outdoor adventures. 

    If you’re ever passing through, I’d love to share some of my favorites with you! Follow me on Instagram and let me know if you’re headed this way, maybe we could even go digging for crystals together! 

    crystal digging family arkansas family fun

    Have you ever been digging for crystals?

    About the author

    Nichole is mama to two incredible adventurers, an older boy and a younger girl. Together, they are on their third year of homeschooling. She has been married to her best friend for nearly twelve years and they share a mutual love for the outdoors. An Iowan native now living in the south, she is happy to claim Arkansas as home. She is a wanderlust (and coffee) fueled, fearless, road-tripper who has been known to take off for epic adventures at a moment’s notice. Hiking and camping (of the backpacking variety) and crystal digging are a few of their favorite family activities. You can find her in the woods somewhere, (probably up a creek and jumping off waterfalls) or online in the following locations:

    Website: http://www.luckeywanderers.com
    Instagram: @coleyraeh
    Other RWMC posts: Nichole